August 1, 2024
We want to let you know that discussions have started between Legal Aid Alberta, the Ministry of Justice, and the Law Society of Alberta about the Legal Aid Governance Agreement.
We know this is an uncertain time, but we commit to keeping you informed regularly. We will update you as much as we can, but we appreciate your understanding that these negotiations are confidential, and we cannot disclose specific details until discussions are completed.
LAA remains hopeful that a positive, lasting resolution will be reached and will continue representing the best interests of our clients, staff, and roster lawyers.
As always, LAA is here to support you. We encourage you to send concerns or feedback to our Roster Relations team at [email protected].
Thank you for your continued patience and dedication to Albertans and the justice system.
Lawyers have been asking what method should be used when a client that already has a certificate with a lawyer obtains new charges, recognizing that using the correct process can speed up the appointing process and allow counsel to begin work on the new charges as quickly as possible.
In order to streamline the appointing process, there are two ways for a lawyer to assist a client obtain coverage for new charges:
Section 145 (Breaches of Conditions) – Authorization Request through Lawyer Portal
These can be submitted right through Lawyer Portal by way of an authorization request by simply clicking on “Add Legal Issue”.
It is worth noting that a lawyer does not need to submit a separate request for each Information. They can all be combined into one request. (Please note that Section 145(1) must be requested through Client Gateway.)
All other charges (Including allegations of breaches under Section 733) – Client Gateway
All new substantive charges, as well as 733 breaches, need to come through Client Gateway, which can be found here: Client Gateway Portal
Please note that all Roster Lawyers have been set up with access to the Client Gateway, and it can be accessed using this information:
Username = combining your Lawyer Portal username with “@legalaid.ab.ca”
Password = your Lawyer Portal password.
Example: Atticus Finch would sign in as [email protected], even though his personal email may be [email protected].
A walkthrough document that will assist in how to complete the form can be found here: Client Gateway How To Guide
